What’s It Like to Be an Animator?

If you love bringing characters, stories, and ideas to life through motion, animation might be your creative calling. You’re part artist, part storyteller, and part technician—transforming still images into dynamic, expressive visuals that move people.

📅 A Day in the Life

Here’s what your day might include:

  • Creating animations – You’ll design and animate characters, environments, or effects for film, TV, games, or digital media.

  • Storyboarding – You’ll sketch out scenes and sequences to plan timing, movement, and transitions.

  • Collaborating with teams – You’ll work closely with writers, directors, designers, and developers to bring a shared vision to life.

  • Using animation tools – You’ll work with software like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, Blender, or Maya.

  • Refining your work – You’ll revise animations based on feedback and ensure smooth, polished final results.

💡 What Makes It Awesome?

  • You get to turn imagination into motion.

  • Every project is a chance to tell a story in a unique visual language.

  • There are opportunities across industries—from entertainment to advertising to education.

  • You’ll constantly grow your skills in art, storytelling, and technology.

🧠 Good to Know

  • A degree or diploma in animation, fine arts, or a related field is often preferred.

  • A strong portfolio or demo reel is essential to showcase your style and skills.

  • Patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of timing and movement are key.

  • Collaboration and communication are just as important as creativity.

📌 Quick Facts

  • Education Level: Diploma or Bachelor’s in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field.

  • Work Environment: Studio or remote; works in film, TV, gaming, or advertising.

  • Skills or Interests: 2D/3D animation, storyboarding, motion graphics, software like Maya or Blender, and timing.

  • Salary Range: $60,000–$95,000 CAD annually.

  • Job Outlook / Growth: Strong demand in entertainment and digital media industries.

  • Physical Activity Level: Desk-based with long hours of detailed creative work.